Pule Mmodi is wanted by Kaizer Chiefs. Image: BackpagePix

Best PSL XI outside of Kaizer Chiefs, Pirates & Mamelodi Sundowns

Tired of hearing about Kaizer Chiefs all day, every day? Here’s our best PSL XI outside of the big three.

by James Freemantle

11-01-2023 09:27

in Premier Soccer League

Pule Mmodi is wanted by Kaizer Chiefs. Image: BackpagePix

Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns are the “Big Three” of South African football, but there are plenty of good players representing the other 13 PSL clubs.

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Best PSL XI outside of the “Big Three”

Mothwa; Maphathe, Msimango, Mthethwa, Bhasera; Mathebula, Oubaas, Maswangwanyi; Mmodi, Mayo, Grobler

Defence

AmaZulu’s Veli Mothwa hasn’t kept an amazing amount of clean sheets, but he was instrumental in Usuthu’s run to the MTN8 final and has been a consistent thorn in the side of top strikers. The versatile Sibusiso Mthethwa has been around the block a few times and is shining in the heart of the Richards Bay defence, while Katlego Maphathe has also excelled for the PSL debutants from right-back. TS Galaxy centre-back Spiwe Msimango has marshalled a back four that has conceded the second-fewest goals in the division, even though they’re in midtable. The ever-dependable Zimbabwean Onismor Bhasera is one of the first names on the SuperSport team sheet at left-back.

PSL Mothwa — Veli Mothwa is one of the most dependable PSL keepers. Image: iDiski Times

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Midfield

TS Galaxy midfielder Bathusi Oubaas has turned out consistent displays for a side that’s become seriously difficult to beat. They’ve conceded just eight goals all season, and his marshalling of the back four has been a big factor. Mpho Mathebula, similarly, has been outstanding for surprise packages Richards Bay in their debut top-flight season. Much of SuperSport’s title charge will be down to the creative talents of Patrick Maswanganyi, who has three assists this season. The 24-year-old is one of the best attacking midfielders in the country right now.

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PSL — Patrick Maswanganyi is performing for SuperSport. Image: @SupersportFC / Twitter

Attack

Up top, the vastly experienced Bradley Grobler is an obvious pick to lead the line. He’s now got 98 top-flight goals, two more and he’ll be just the sixth centurion PSL history. He’s flanked by the dangerous Pule Mmodi and Khanyisa Mayo. Both are players very much in-demand this transfer window, and it would be a surprise if they stayed put at current clubs Golden Arrows and Cape Town City respectively.